London cabbies to practise ‘smoother driving’ with the Spring-O-Meter and learn how to save fuel in London.

London cabbies have been known to sometimes throw and tantrum or two and drive erratically through the streets of London believing they are ‘above the law’.

Although any misbehaving on the road might now not be so easy for London cabbies thanks to a new gadget known as the Spring-O-Meter.

In an attempt to cut fuel bills by enhancing fuel efficiency, this dashboard-mounted device informs drivers when their driving becomes erratic. The Spring-O-Meter dances about when a driver brakes suddenly or moves forward too quickly, and when it gets really annoyed with a cabbie’s driving, it loudly beeps its horn.

Spring-O-Meters were put in the vehicles of cabbies for a two-week trial to see whether the ‘smoother driving’ encouraged by gadget helped them learn how to save fuel in London.

The trial showed that the fuel of the cabbies using the Spring-O-Meter fell by 12% and if they continue to use the device for 12 months, they would save approximately £600 in fuel.

The brain behind the scheme is Jamie Young, of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of the Arts.

“We chose cabbies on purpose because they are stereotyped as set in their ways and so are a relatively difficult group to influence,” Mr Young said.

“But they are also informal opinion formers because they come into contact with a large number of people so they can influence others,” continued Mr Young.

The scheme continues its ‘word-spreading angle’ by having a guest book for passengers featured in the Royal Society at the Encouragement of the Arts. The book enables passengers to rate the driving skills of cabbies and also consists of a silk purse, meant as a symbol for ‘smooth driving’ for the cabbie.